The Marceline Tigers return home to the friendly confines of Chester Ray Stadium with a 2-3 record on the season, and come in off of a road loss to Salisbury last week. The Tigers will be without All-Conference running back Kyle Bell, who is still down with a knee injury.

This week, the Tigers welcome Lewis and Clark Conference rival Westran Hornets to Marceline. “Westran is 5-0 and ranked fifth in State,” said Head Coach Paul Thomas. “The kids have had an outstanding week in practice.”

From the LCL's Football Preview edition: Offensively, Westran will run out of the Spread. Last season, they averaged 32.5 points per game, 241 yards rushing, and 106 yards passing. “We return more size, strength, and experience up front than any other year I have been at Westran,” said Coach Jasper. “We will be breaking in a very talented, but raw, sophomore quarterback who has lots of potential, but is yet unproven. We are losing our best receiver, but are returning several with experience. Our success will be determined by the guys up front who will be asked ot lead the charge.”

Defensively, the Hornets will run out of an Odd Front. Last season, they allowed 12 points, 103 rushing yards, and 58 passing yards per game. “We return a very experienced and physical defensive line as well as experience in the backfield,” said Coach Jasper. “There is a lot of depth at the linebacker position, but much of it is unproven. We are looking for playmakers at the position to step up.”